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Comprehensive guidance from Desert Law Group, serving Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding Coachella Valley communities.
You’ve worked hard to build real estate, investments, retirement accounts, and personal belongings. A well-crafted estate plan lets you decide how, when, and to whom those assets are distributed, rather than leaving the decision to California’s Probate Code.
With the right documents in place you can:
Provide for yourself during incapacity
Protect and guide loved ones
Reduce taxes and court fees
Support charities that matter to you
Maintain family harmony by preventing conflict
Estate planning isn’t a luxury; it’s a thoughtful act of love for the people who matter most.
During Incapacity
Only a court-appointed conservator may manage your affairs, triggering time-consuming, expensive proceedings.
At Death
California intestacy laws decide who inherits, when, and how much, often the exact opposite of what you intended.
For Minor Children
A judge selects their guardian; assets are distributed under court supervision.
A custom plan prepared by an experienced estate-planning team is the only way to keep control and protect your family.
Prevent costly court delays and ensure assets reach loved ones quickly.
Name guardians you trust and set age-based distributions.
Avoid probate’s statutory fees and unnecessary taxes.
Loved ones can use needed funds immediately, not after months in court.
Pre-set medical and funeral wishes spare relatives from guesswork.
Preserve assets while remaining eligible for Medi-Cal if needed.
A power of attorney designates someone you trust, avoiding conservatorship.
Keep operations running smoothly if you’re unable to manage them.
What documents make up a basic plan?
A Last Will and Testament or Revocable Trust, a Durable Power of Attorney, Advance Health-Care Directive, and HIPAA Authorization. Additional tools, like life insurance, retirement, or special-needs trusts, may be recommended for larger or more complex estates.
When should I start?
As early as age 18. At minimum, young adults need a will, power of attorney, and health-care directive. Marriage, children, business ownership, or increased assets call for a more robust trust-based plan.
I already have a plan, do I need a review?
Yes. Laws change, assets grow, and families evolve. We review existing plans to confirm tax compliance and update beneficiary designations.
Ready to Protect Your Legacy?
Call 760-481-1144 or click Schedule Consultation to meet with an experienced estate-planning attorney. We’ll listen first, then craft a clear, fixed-fee plan that gives you and your loved one’s true peace of mind.
